CDSCO Considers Waiving Testing Requirement for Export Cough Syrups

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is examining a proposal to waive the mandatory testing of cough syrups for export to specific countries. This comes after stakeholders sought exemptions. The requirement was introduced last year due to quality concerns with Indian-exported cough syrups.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is deliberating on a proposal to waive mandatory testing for cough syrups destined for export to certain countries, according to official sources. This consideration follows requests from stakeholders for such exemptions.

Last May, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, under the Ministry of Commerce, mandated that cough syrup manufacturers get their products tested at designated government labs before receiving export permits. This was in response to global qualms about the quality of cough syrups exported by Indian companies.

The CDSCO is now evaluating whether to allow exports to the US, the UK, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Korea, and Switzerland without the need for specified lab tests. Additionally, if a cough syrup is produced in a facility approved by regulatory authorities from these countries, it may be exempt from further testing for export to any nation. Nevertheless, around 353 out of 7,087 tested batches were found to be substandard, with some containing toxic diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol.

(With inputs from agencies.)